Jays' Bautista, Encarnacion, Buehrle named AL All-Stars

OAKLAND – The Blue Jays will send three representatives to the All-Star Game on July 15 in Minneapolis.

American League manager John Farrell of the Boston Red Sox announced that Jose Bautista would be his starter in right field as voted by the fans.

For Bautista, it's a fifth All-Star selection, all in a row. He's the American League's starting right fielder for the fourth consecutive season.

Bautista's hitting .300/.423/.529 in 83 games. His 60 walks and on-base percentage of .423 are the best in baseball.

Bautista, for the second time, was the leading vote getter.

“It's great to have the support and I feel thankful and appreciative of all the votes,” said Bautista. “It's nice to know that people are paying attention and they're watching you succeed. To just know that people are paying attention and watching is always a pleasure to me. It takes a lot to sit in front of your computer and vote or go to the stadium and fill out ballots and take up some of your time. I'm always thankful for that.”

Edwin Encarnacion receives his second All-Star honour and second consecutive. He was picked by Farrell, a manager's selection.

Encarnacion, as of Sunday, is baseball's leader with 70 RBI. His 26 home runs are second only to the White Sox's Jose Abreu (27).

He will not appear in the All-Star Game due to a right quadriceps strain.

Left-hander Mark Buehrle is a players' selection and makes his fifth career All-Star appearance and his first since 2009. He was the starting pitcher for the American League in 2005, the same year his White Sox went on to win the World Series.

Buehrle is 10-6 with a 2.60 ERA this season.

He was selected by his peers in the players' vote.

“Obviously that means a lot because guys around the league are kind of paying attention and recognize what you're doing out there on the field; that means a lot,” said Buehrle. “Even if the manager selects you it's obviously great but if the players select you it's a little bit more.”

Last season a Blue Jays team that would end up with 74 wins sent four players to the All-Star Game (Bautista, Encarnacion, Brett Cecil and Steve Delabar).

The Blogger: Scott MacArthur covers the Blue Jays for TSN Radio 1050. In addition to reading his baseball blogs online, you can hear him on TSN Radio 1050 throughout the year.